Hiking East-Macedonia and Thrace
It seems incredible, but there are still areas that have remained untouched. Experience the wonder and vision in the Region of East-Macedonia and Thrace. For many entirely unknown, but for hikers and nature lovers, the new destination. Here Greece has hidden some of its most valuable natural resources: In the virgin forests, the tranquil lakes, waterfalls, spectacular caves, the blue of the sea, which merges with the rivers, the rare animals and birds, the beautiful wetlands. On the trails of Drama, Kavala and Xanthi experience Northern Greece in its most natural way. The alternative tourism offers all real points of contact with the Greek nature and invites him to a veritable return to nature. Enjoy northern Greece with your guide side by side, step by step in harmony with nature!
The Rhodope Mountains are not only the most densely forested mountains, but the most densely forested region of Greece in general. The Western Rhodopes are by soft forms the summit in what is emphasized by the heavy foliage yet. The forest areas start in the valley of Nestos and the lakes and lagoons in the fields of Thrace and pull up to the highest, most remote caves and canyons of the mountain. The Rhodopes are a veritable botanical paradise, estimated 60% of all species occurring in Europe of the flora are represented. Moreover grow here over 210 rare or endangered species, of which 15 occur only in the Rhodopes and nowhere else in the world.
Accommodation
The Karyon Houses are located in a beautiful green landscape on a hill at Ano Karyofyto of the Municipality of Stavroupolis in the prefecture of Xanthi. Ideal for nature lovers and the best base for great leisure facilities. Hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting and bird watching are just a few of these activities.The unit is built in harmony with nature. 6 houses which can accommodate 6-8 persons, each house is fully equipped and surrounded by lush gardens and offers a unique view of the surrounding area and on the Nestos valley. The houses are an ideal choice for nature lovers.
The Forest village Erymanthos is set in a unique nature, traditional forest houses in a large garden, each with 2 separate bedrooms per house, common use of the bath.
The Hotel Lucy in Kavala is set on a land tongue, with direct access to the private beach and sandy beach of Kalamitsa, above a small fishing harbor. A super market and a bus stop with regular services to Kavala (approx. 2 km) are in approx. 100 m distance. It consists of 148 rooms on 5 floors (elevators). Reception, 2 restaurants, bar, lounge area with TV and Wi-Fi internet access, conference rooms. Room and babysitter service (each with charge). Parking. Credit cards: American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa. Rooms with telephone, air conditioning, LCD satellite-TV, Wi Fi internet access, safe, minibar. Shower/WC, hair dryer, toiletries. View of the city and the mountains. Large fresh water pool with sunbeds and umbrellas. Pool/Snackbar. Sandy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. Cafés and taverns.
Schedule
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Day 1: Transfer to the Rhodope Mountains. Welcome meeting followed by dinner.
Day 2: Fort Kalyva In the valley of Nestos, the ruins of fortifications are with great historical importance. The fortress Kalyva, the most significant dominating the peak at an altitude of 627 meters, 4 km southeast of the village of the same name. In a strategic position and with eye contact with other forts in the region. Around 340 BC, defeated and dissolved Phillip ll to the people of Odrysson and built many fortresses in strategic locations to control the movements of the enemy.
Hike: From the village Karyofyto the path starts through the dense oak forests at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains up to the fortress which dominates the valley of Nestos. We leave the fortress and its history behind us and follow the stone path that leads down between the dense vegetation to the Nestos River. Old terraced tobacco fields and abandoned villages characterize the image and reveal a strong presence in the past.
About: 3-4 hours/ + 300 m - 350 m
Day 3: Primary forest Frakto The forest area Frakto is below the highest peaks of Central Rodopi (1,950 m). Center of the area of Athens is the “Parthenon Dassos” (untouched forest), a unique for Greece but also for Europe. In 1979 the forest (1,100 ha expansion) was registered as originating or primary forest and immediately afterwards (1980) declared to a natural monument worthy of preservation because of its great geographical, ecological and historical significance.
The trail starts about 1 km north of the forestry office (1400 m) and here you enter the nature reserve. A very nice trail that was created as a tour of Frakto leads us to 5 impressive waterfalls. After crossing a stream we reach the edge of the forest and the viewpoint "Panorama".The highest peak of the formation Daliboska (1,950 m) is located north of here. Breathtaking views of the unspoilt nature, where man has just left his footprints.
About 5 hours/ + 200 m - 600 m
Day 4: Waterfall Livaditis The mountain range of Central Rhodope is the intersection of vegetation from north and south. It is characteristic that all vegetation zones of Europe can be found in a relatively small area. At this hiking tour where you will have the opportunity to cross an impressive, ever-changing forest landscape and admire the impressive waterfall Livaditi.
Hike: The walk begins in the north of the village Livaditis and leads through dense beech and oak forest into the impressive 40-meter waterfall, which is located in a creek between 2 peaks.
About 3-4 hours/ + 200 m - 300 m
Day 5: Giftokastro Climb to the top of the highest peak of the mountain Koula. The area of the Rhodope Mountains is connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures. The mountain ranges from the Greek-Bulgarian border to the river of Nestos and between the prefectures of Xanthi and Drama, while the majority of the mountain. Its total area reached 2,000,000 hectares, 84% is covered by dense forests.
Hike: The trail starts by the forestry huts Erimantho (1,300 m) and the eponymous forest settlement, 9 km east of the village Livaditis. A forest road leads into the near Pagokristalla (1,400 m). About a path climbs to the first ridge of Dihala (1,650 m) and the Giftokastro until you reach the border between Greece and Bulgaria. The hike follows the border trench through the wooded western slope of Giftokastro way up to the summit (1,827 m). Breathtaking views across Greece and Bulgaria.
About 5 hours/ + 500 m – 500 m
Day 6: Hike through the gorge of Nestos"]The range along the gorge of Nestos, is one of the most beautiful river walks in Greece. The well-maintained path that is carved out of the rock of the mountain slope, takes place on the east bank of the Nestos and high above the river valley of the gorge along the steep slopes. From here you have a wonderful view over the valley.
Hike: Starting point is the village Komnina. After the last houses of the village the paved path leading after an hour rise in ruined village Kromniko at 500 m. We cross the village passing by the ruined school and lower after the tap; we find the well-preserved old cobbled road constantly descends. In about half an hour, we see on our right the Nestos. The trail descends into the dense vegetation of oaks to the railway line. From here the trail follows along the river before crossing the beautiful forest wader, sometimes climbing the cliffs carved above the galleries of the train. Alternatively, the Nestos river can be explored by canoe. We also offer active guests our unique Rafting Tour.
About 5 hours/ + 300 m - 300 m
Day 7: Free day
Day 8: Departure from Thessaloniki or Kavala airport
Services
- 3 nights with breakfast Karyon Houses/Karyofyto
- 2 nights with breakfast Forest Village Erymanthos
- 2 nights with breakfast Hotel Lucy/Kavala
- 7 x dinner at the hotel or in traditional tavern’s / vegetarian or gluten-free meals possible
- English speaking guide
- 5 walking tours as program incl. lunch package
- incl. all transfers (to and from Thessaloniki or Kavala airport/to the starting points of the walks / tours and transfers after the walks / tours back to the hotel)
- Transfers by minivan, minibus or bus (depending on the group size)
- Changes of the routes due to force majeure
- Travel insurance
Equipment list
- Travel documents, perhaps driving license
- Photocopies of important documents (stored separately from originals)
- Day backpack
- Food storage box for picnic
- Walking shoes with good grip (the shoes have to reach beyond the ankles and have been run well)
- 1 pair of sport or sneakers or sandals
- Wind-proof and water proof anorak with hood
- Rain trousers, shorts for hiking, long trousers
- Sweater / jacket, easy care t-shirts, long sleeved shirts or blouses
- Women: Skirt that covers the knees or large towel for the church and monastery visits
- Water bottle with at least 1 liter capacity
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat, scarf
- Photographic equipment, binoculars, battery charger
- Pocket knife, lamp
- Personal medical supplies
- Hiking sticks as a walking assistance (recommendation)
- Swimwear / suit / beach shoes
